Old 240 circuit
#1
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Old 240 circuit
I have an old, unused dedicated 240 that used to power a thru the wall AC. I'd like to change that to 120. What choices do I have? Or what's the simplest way to do that. Thanks
#2
You will remove the white wire from the breaker and connect it to the neutral bar with the other whites. One white per hole.
You will also need to change the receptacle to the proper 120 volt rated one.
Only make changes with the power off.
You will also need to change the receptacle to the proper 120 volt rated one.
Only make changes with the power off.
#3
You may have to change the breaker to a single pole breaker to accommodate the load anticipated by the wire size and load. You may have a 30 amp breaker, and need only a 20 for OCPD.
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What makes you think that there must be three wires on this circuit? Straight 240 volt circuits only require two wires for operation, same as straight 120 volt circuits.
Besides, with #12 or #10 conductors you may NOT change the colors of the wire insulation to make an equipment grounding conductor. The ONLY times a conductor smaller than #6 may be re-identified is when cable with a white wire is used in a switch loop or a straight 240 volt circuit. Then the white is re-identified as a "hot" conductor by using any color other than white, grey or green.
Besides, with #12 or #10 conductors you may NOT change the colors of the wire insulation to make an equipment grounding conductor. The ONLY times a conductor smaller than #6 may be re-identified is when cable with a white wire is used in a switch loop or a straight 240 volt circuit. Then the white is re-identified as a "hot" conductor by using any color other than white, grey or green.
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Jeez, sorry furd, I was thinking three conductor but it probably is two conductor and probably has a ground since it's newer but so long as I have two conductors that's all I need to make a very happy 120 circuit. Finding a ground will be gravy.
And yes I understand about rebranding the white as hot but thanks for reminding me.
And yes I understand about rebranding the white as hot but thanks for reminding me.
#10
so long as I have two conductors that's all I need to make a very happy 120 circuit. Finding a ground will be gravy.
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Just wondering---Isnt the current breaker a 2-pole one. Would you switch that out or can just one pole be used? Also, if you currenty have a red and black coming from the 2 poles, how do you use the current wires with a 120v terminal?
#12
Bork2, welcome to the forums! See post #3 regarding breaker. Post #8 regarding wire color. But to answer your question, you can't with red and black.
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I took out the receptacle. One blk one wht one bare grd #12 wire. I'll switch the breaker for a single pole 20 amp. All's good.
Chandler, please explain why you can't with red and black wires. There doesn't seem to be enough explanation on this forum, just you can or you can't.
Chandler, please explain why you can't with red and black wires. There doesn't seem to be enough explanation on this forum, just you can or you can't.
#15
No color can be repurposed for a neutral. You can make a white wire, black in a switch loop, but the reverse is not code (making a red into white). You're good with the wiring you have going at present.